Antique Jewelry

For those with a real love of Antique Jewelry, by now you will have realised that it can cost substantial amounts of money. But if you spend some time learning how to buy antique jewelry wholesale, you can save yourself heaps.

In the age of the Web , it is common for people to head for online auction sites, such as eBay, in the hope of finding a bargain. Amongst thousands trying to do the same thing there is going to be massive competition. Sadly again, you are likely to find that the seller has just as much if not more experience as you have and as such they will have priced their auction correctly.

This does not mean that bargains cannot be found at online auctions. It's still worth keeping an eye on the more popular sites, just in case. Remember to keep an eye out in several sections as well as just the antiques section. An essential part of using online auctions is to establish the credibility of your seller before you enter in a bid. At times like these it is probably advisable to make sure you have access to the services of a credible escrow service. More importantly, communicate with the seller to make sure you understand exactly what you're buying.

The Internet is not your only resource on bargain jewelry to be had if you know where to look, there are equally valuable resources available elsewhere. Remember sometimes to find the best results you need to be able to look in areas others simply cannot compete in. One great resource is your local newspaper. there is a possibility that the seller might be slightly ignorant of what it is they have to sell. This has to increase your chances of getting a bargain from local sources.

If you're going to trawl local sales for bargains, though, don't make it too obvious when you're interested in a piece of jewelry. |Try not to make it too obvious that you are interested to a certain item if you are going to try and search for bargains local sales. | It is unwise to show interest too soon in any one category and this may cause the seller to increase their charges Too much interest too soon can alert the owner and you are likely to put them off. After all, if you're familiar with antique jewelry then your hunch is probably right. You may well find that you actually say more by taking the jewelry off site once you've bought it and confirming your suspicions in private.

This means that you may end up buying some worthless junk along the way, but that's okay. The genuine pieces you find will more than make up for the few bucks you spend on false starts.

Once you find your first bargain it is entirely possible that you become addicted to the entire process. In a lot of cases estate sales can produce better returns even if they are more infrequent than yard sales. It happens quite regularly that the grandchildren of some wealthy families are completely unaware as to the value of their family’s jewelry.

Their motivation may be purely driven by the fact that they desperately need the money. Sadly in today’s world this may be more and more common as the heirs of formerly wealthy families come to realise that the upkeep of family homes can be more expensive than foreseen.

About The Author

Scott James writes on a great many fashion issues on the Internet and more on the above can be found at Crystal Therapy , How to Sell Jewelry & Crafts and http://www.jewelrymall.com

Indian Bridal Jewelry

For the quintessential Indian bride, the perfect Indian bridal jewelry enhances her looks as much as her make-up does. Her beauty as the blushing bride is amplified not only by the kohl around her eyes and the different hues on her eyelids but also by the eye-catching Indian bridal jewelry that adorns her entire person, from head to toe.

Although much of the Indian bridal jewelry an Indian bride could wear is dependent on the size of her budget, she usually sees to it that she is bedecked with the most lavish ones that she could lay her hands on. This is actually part of her presenting herself not only to her husband but also to the public. Because of this, an Indian bride would want her Indian bridal jewelry custom-designed.

An Indian bride would have her Indian bridal jewelry made, based on her wedding trousseau, especially on its dominant colors. The type of precious metals and stones that will be used in making the jewelry should blend with the colors of her wardrobe.

Indian bridal jewelry is not just one piece of jewelry worn by the Indian bride. It is made up of different pieces that complements and blends with each other to create that perfect look of an Indian bride. The Maangtika, the nose ring, the earrings, the bangles, the necklace, the anklets and toe rings make up the entirety of the complete Indian bridal jewelry.

The Maangtika is the most traditional and most essential part of the Indian bridal jewelry. Apart from the necklace, the Maangtika is the most noticeable piece of the Indian bridal jewelry adorned on an Indian bride. It is worn on the bride' head and is designed to be unique for each bride. While its color and design largely depend on the colors of the bride's outfit, it is usually made of precious stones like pearls and diamonds. It has a centerpiece that is exquisitely designed and sits on bride's forehead and is usually attached by a string that runs to the back of the bride's head.

Another essential part of the Indian bridal jewelry is the necklace. This piece is usually very eye-catching with a design that is in tune with the other pieces of Indian bridal jewelry adorned on the rest of the bride's body. The design of the necklace would also have to complement the neckline of the bride's wedding attire. Most of the common types of necklaces worn as part of the Indian bridal jewelry are the chokers and the long necklaces with elaborate designs and bedecked with precious stones that goes with the bridal colors. Chokers are worn over dresses with high necklines while the long necklaces complement those wedding dresses that have deep necklines.

An Indian bridal jewelry ensemble will not be complete without the traditional nose ring. This is as much a part of the Indian bridal jewelry as the Maangtika and is usually almost of the same design and color as the earrings. The traditional nose ring is called the “nath” and is made up of a ring worn at the nose that is studded with precious gems and has a long chain whether in gold or silver, that is attached to the hair of the bride. The rest of the pieces that go with the entire Indian bridal jewelry are as just as important. They are all needed to complete the look of the perfect Indian bride.

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The History of Rings

During the Medieval period is when rings became popular. All classes of people wore rings from the poorest to the richest. Rings were typically made of iron, copper, silver, and gold. The material of the ring worn usually indicated the class of the wearer. It wasn't until around the 14th century that faceted jewels appeared in rings.

Some cultures have rings typically associated with them. Cultures such as Native Americans use silver and turquoise in their jewelry. Early Christians used the Greek symbol, the Icthus, which resembles a fish. One of the best known is the Irish Claddagh that also has an intriguing story attached to it. Richard Joyce was among the crew of a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland that was captured, he was to have been married that very same week. During slavery Richard Joyce was put to the trade of Goldsmith-ing. Through the years of capture neither married. Richard Joyce created a ring for his love with a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands.

After Joyce escaped capture, he returned to the village of Claddagh and was overjoyed to see his love again and to know she had never married. She always knew he would return to her. He gave her the ring that has become known as the Claddagh ring. If the Claddagh is worn on the right hand with the crown inward (toward the wrist) the heart is not yet committed. If it is worn on the right hand with the crown turned outward the wearer is committed to someone. Finally if it is worn on the left hand with the crown outward it means "Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated."

Rings are worn for a variety of reasons including adornment. There are rings given as a reward for a job well done such as the Super Bowl victory. They are given to represent commitment as in engagements and marriages. Women religious to signify their commitment to God also wear rings.

Rings can be made of almost any material now. They can be made from plastic, silver, gold, or copper, even wood. They can be made of ceramic materials as well. They can be of simple design or something as intricate as filigree.

They can be plain and simple or they can be adorned with jewels or gemstones, as in the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month of the year and each has its own meaning. See the listing below.

January - Garnet
The gem of faith and truth; protects from poisons, thought to stop bleeding, cure sickness of the blood and infections.

February - Amethyst
Aids soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, helps hunters to catch animals, and helps the owner be good in business.

March - Aquamarine
Sailors used aquamarine to gemstones to keep them safe and to prevent seasickness. It gives the wearer courage, foresight and courage

April - Diamond
Symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. It is the ultimate gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring, thus starting the tradition of diamonds being given as engagement rings.

May - Emerald
Sharpened the wearer's eyesight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against the hazards of long trips. The green color is said to give the owner power to predict the future.

June - Pearl
Freshwater pearls give the power of love, money, protection, and luck. It is said they give provide wisdom through experience and protect children from harm.

July - Ruby
Its red color is related to sex, passion, strength, health, physical energy, courage, and protection. It is associated with blood, birth, and death

August - Peridot
It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Its powers include health, protection, and sleep. It attracts love, calms anger, eases anxiety and negative emotions

September - Saphire
Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness

October - Opal
It has healing powers that aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. It also aids in remembering past lives.

November - Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Citrine - also for November - Aids the kidneys, heart, digestive tract liver, and muscles. It promotes creativity, personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.

December - Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Turquoise - also for December - It attracts money, success, and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. It eases the mind and mental tension.


There are school rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings and mothers rings (usually the birthstones of her children set on a band. The price range of rings can be anywhere from fifty cents (usually found in the toy machines you see in stores) to thousands of dollars and more or even higher.

Author Bio
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

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Irish Wedding Rings

There are a number of Irish Wedding Rings that include Spirals, Triskeles, and Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. The most popular ring by far is the Irish Claddagh and it is surrounded by a romantic legend.

The Claddagh is as was said, the most popular in Ireland. The ring symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is named for an Irish fishing village. The design of the Claddagh is constructed of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.

Various traditions give different meanings to the ring depending on how it is worn. As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring it is on the right hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship it is worn on the right hand turned outward.

The legend of the Claddagh begins when a fisherman Richard Joyce and other crew members were captured by pirates shortly before Joyce was to be married. He was sold into slavery in Algiers and made the property of a goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmith. Joyce became the master of the craft. With is beloved back in Claddagh on his mind he fashioned the first Claddagh ring. The hands were to represent friendship, the heart was love, and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity.

In 1698 King Georges III agreed to free all of his subjects. Richard Joyce was once again free. His slave master offered Joyce his daughter in marriage and half of his wealth if he would stay in Algiers. Joyce refused the offer and instead returned home to Claddagh where he found his love waiting for him. Neither of them had married. Upon discovering this, Joyce gave his love the ring and they were married shortly thereafter.

The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce and his Bride were from. There were others who made the ring much later and added jewels and an intricate crown design. The basic hands holding a crowned heart has never changed. Joyce wanted something that would his love for his Beloved.

The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic design of the ring has not changed but now there is more intricacies in the crown, gemstones or jewels can be used to fashion the heart, and the hands are simply hands. The ring can be made of silver, gold or basically any metal.

The design is the clasped hands of the 'fede' or faith rings. These rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages. The ring is worn now by many to speak to their Irish heritage. The Claddagh tells the story of two lovers who are separated and yet their love and commitment withstood the passage of time. It's simple design and my heritage influenced my decision to purchase a Claddagh.

Author Bio
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

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Buying A Colored Diamond Engagement Ring

The most famous diamonds in the world are colored diamonds so why shouldn't you have one in your engagement ring? You could get a yellow diamond like the Tiffany diamond or perhaps a blue like the Hope diamond. Another very popular color is pink. In fact, colored diamonds are becoming quite a trend among celebrities as well as everyday people.

Plus buying a colored diamond for your ring may be a better investment. Color diamonds have an amazing financial track record. In over 30 years, the value of colored diamonds has never decreased on wholesale level. In fact, the pink and blue diamonds have doubled every 5 years in a strong economy. If you have invested in a colored diamond you could make a killing, in fact a high quality blue diamond could go for $50,000 in the 1970s and that same In the 1970's stone would be worth between 2 and 3 million today!

While natural colored diamonds are quite expensive, gemologists have developed new ways to create versions that are affordable for the average person. They do this by treating the less desirable diamonds with irradiation followed by intense heat. This amazing process turns brown and yellowish diamonds into beautifully colored diamonds that you can afford. It can also produce stunning greens, blues, yellows, reds, purples and other colors. Although these colors are considered permanent, there is a possibility they could change during repairs if a high heat is used.

If you are shopping for an engagement ring with a colored diamond stone, you should probably assume that anything remotely affordable has been treated. If you are not sure ask about the stones origin and request to view a lab certificate to verify authenticity.

Another type of colored diamond that is affordable is a synthetic colored diamond. These are real diamonds that are grown in a lab. As they are grown, the natural coloring and process of diamond formation is simulated. Natural fancy color diamonds get their coloring from different trace elements like nitrogen and other minerals that are present in the stones. Lab created diamonds can be colored by exposure to radiation during its creation. An example of a diamond affected by radiation is a Green diamond.

Another way that a natural colored diamond gets color is by its inclusions. Interestingly enough, inclusions are regarded as flaws in a colorless diamond and are very undesirable, but in a colored diamond the inclusions give unique tones and brilliant flashes of color and are desirable.

When shopping for your engagement ring, remember that natural fancy colored diamonds are extremely expensive, and any colored diamond which is labeled to be sold as a natural colored diamond should be accompanied by a certificate from a respected grading lab verifying it as such.

Author Bio
Lee Dobbins is a jewelry designer and owner of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can find out more about handmade jewelry, diamonds and other gem stones.

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